News 07:00

BULLETIN 11 January 7 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver a notably different January 8 Statement
# Donald Trump avoids jail time as he is sentenced to an unconditional discharge in his hush-money case
# And rugby, Siya Kolisi lead the Sharks against Toulouse, but Eben Etzebeth is out

# ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa is set to deliver the January 8 Statement in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, today as the party continues to celebrate its 113th anniversary. The ANC’s electoral setbacks are expected to feature prominently in Ramaphosa’s address including the formation of the government of national unity. ANC’s 1st Deputy Secretary General, Nomvula Mokonyane, says the party is reconnecting with its people and regaining public trust:

# Deputy president Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enacting the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act. Speaking at the funeral of the first Education minister in a democratic South Africa, Sibusiso Bengu, at the University of Zululand, Mashatile emphasised that the BELA Act addresses unresolved education challenges and aims to transform South Africa’s education landscape by ensuring equal access to quality education:

# General industries union Giwusa says the death toll in the Stilfontein mining crisis in North West could rise as efforts to rescue illegal miners remain insufficient. Over 100 iners are believed to have died due to hazardous conditions, many from falls, hunger, and drowning in flooded tunnels. Giwusa President Mametlwe Sebei calls for the allocation of funds to conduct a professional rescue operation:

# US president-elect Donald Trump has been sentenced to an unconditional discharge in his New York criminal hush money case, meaning he will not be imprisoned, fined or face probation. He is the first US president to be criminally sentenced, and can now be formally classified as a convicted felon. Trump was convicted on 34 charges of business fraud last year related to hush money payment to former adult star Stormy Daniels in 2016. Trump has called his sentencing a despicable charade, adding that this case had no crime.

# Rugby: Siya Kolisi leads the Sharks as the Durban side host Champions Cup titleholders Toulouse at Kings Park today. Bongi Mbonambi returns to form in an all-Bok front row, alongside Ox Nché and Vincent Koch. Eben Etzebeth has not been passed fit to play this weekend. Also missing are centre André Esterhuizen and fullback Aphelele Fassi after they were injured in the clash with the Stormers. Francois Venter partners Ethan Hooker in the midfield, while Makazole Mapimpi is back in the starting line-up. Hakeem Kunene is at fullback. Kick-off is at 5:15.

Stay tuned for more news………….